Pedro Sánchez Is the New Merkel Spain Moves to Mass Legalize Illegal Immigrants
Spain’s bold move to legalize hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants contrasts sharply with tightened policies in Europe, sparking debate on migration, economy, and shared responsibility.
The Spanish Council of Ministers approved the measure, which is expected to benefit at least 500,000 people. Applicants must prove they have been in the country for at least five months and have no criminal record. The process began on April 16 and will run until the end of June. Residence permits will be issued annually, renewable, and will open the door to employment in the formal economy.
The decision comes as neighboring countries, such as France and Germany, intensify deportations and tighten eligibility criteria. According to estimates, a large portion of those to be legalized come from Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, but the number of Africans and Moroccans—who speak French and may move to other member states—is also increasing. The Schengen Area allows a three-month stay, but the lack of controls at internal borders makes monitoring difficult.
Reactions from European Politicians
French MEP François-Xavier Bellamy called the regulation a “massive reward for illegality” and spoke of strengthening smuggling networks. Bruno Retailleau expressed concern that France and other countries would bear much of the cost of Spain’s policy. Sánchez himself has publicly defended the move as necessary for the economy of a country with an aging population, having published a related article in the New York Times earlier this year.
The measure is striking because Spain is moving against the broader European trend. The new European Pact on Migration and Asylum, which will take effect in June, aims, among other things, for faster return of those not entitled to protection. Madrid’s decision reminds many of the policy followed by Angela Merkel in 2015.
Practical Implications
Among those to be legalized are people already working in sectors such as agriculture, elderly care, and services. However, the leniency of the criteria raises questions about security checks and long-term impacts on social cohesion. The debate in Europe continues, with Spain currently representing the most prominent example of a unilateral approach to migration. This raises the question: Why should the countries that refuse to share the costs of illegal immigration suffer the consequences, while those that encourage and reward illegal immigration, like Spain, do not?
